Notice regarding Igor Tanabe
RIZIN Fighter’s
#Igor Tanabe/@fatninjabjj
took an MRI at the hospital in early December and was diagnosed with “Moyamoya disease”. pic.twitter.com/fP4qr1QrfX
— RIZIN FF OFFICIAL (@rizin_PR)
December 28, 2024
Rizin Fighting Federation prospect Igor Tanabe will retire from mixed martial arts indefinitely after being diagnosed with Moyamoya disease.
The Japanese promotion recently revealed that Tanabe underwent an MRI scan in early December and was diagnosed with the disease. It’s unclear when or if Tanabe, 24, will return.
“Due to the diagnosis that mixed martial arts, any sport involving blows to the head, and extreme dehydration associated with weight loss are extremely dangerous, Igor had to withdraw from martial arts competition for a while,” Rizin said in a statement. announced. release. (via Google Translate).
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blockage of arteries in an area at the base of the brain called the basal ganglia.” Although seen in children, it can also affect adults and can cause a “hemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding within the brain.” According to NINDS, other symptoms of moyamoya disease may include headaches, seizures, impaired consciousness, involuntary movements, visual impairment, cognitive impairment and/or sensory impairment.
Tanabe, known as “Fat Ninja,” has amassed a 5-0 record since starting his professional career in 2021, with his past three appearances (all first-round finishes) coming under the Rizin banner. It’s happening below. Most recently, Tanabe choked out UFC veteran Shinto Anzai at RIZIN 45 last December. He also has notable wins over the likes of Daichi Abe and Melvin Manhoef. Tanabe has competed at both welterweight and middleweight in recent bouts.
“They say there is no cure for Moyamoya disease, but I have made the impossible possible,” Tanabe said in the release. “I will definitely recover and fight in front of everyone again.”
